Chapter 9

From that day onward, Harris and Vanessa had been locked in a tense stand-off. Harris was busy preparing for his wedding, and so was Vanessa. With less than a week left, Vanessa received a call from her college classmate and was invited to a reunion cruise the following week. At first, Vanessa didn't plan on going, but when she heard that Jessica Morgan would be attending, she decided to make the trip. Jessica had been her lecturer and also Blake's. She had always taken good care of Vanessa during her time at college, so Vanessa thought she might as well bring a wedding invitation along. On the day of the gathering, the cruise was filled with familiar faces. Vanessa chatted with a few classmates before heading downstairs to find Jessica in the private lounge. As she descended, a sudden gasp rang out from the entrance. Vanessa looked up to see Waverly enter, arm linked with Harris. She was dressed in a dazzling evening gown, and the fabric shimmered with intricate jewels that glittered with every step she took. What stood out even more was the pink diamond ring on her finger which Harris had gifted. A crowd of former classmates, who had once mocked Waverly, now fawned over her and showered her with compliments. "Waverly, your ring is stunning! I heard the pink diamond alone is worth billions! And your gown, was it custom-made? Mr. Samson really loves you." "I also heard Mr. Samson bought this entire cruise ship for you—just because you mentioned you wanted something new and to enjoy a sea breeze." Vanessa looked away as she continued toward the lounge. She didn't notice the long, meaningful look Harris cast at her retreating figure. Inside the lounge, Vanessa handed Jessica the wedding invitation. "Ms. Morgan, I'm getting married to Blake next week. If you're free, I'd love for you to come and witness the ceremony." Jessica, visibly delighted, accepted the invitation and took Vanessa's hand. "Blake is like family to me. I've watched him grow into a thoughtful and reliable young man. I'm sure you two will have a happy life together after the marriage." "Marriage? Who's getting married?" Vanessa turned to see Waverly standing at the door with a look of surprise. Vanessa didn't respond, nor did she spare Waverly a glance as she exchanged a few polite words with Jessica before turning to leave. But as soon as she stepped out, Waverly blocked her path. "Vanessa, I'll be your sister-in-law once I marry your brother. Anyway, I still need a bridesmaid. If you beg me, I might just consider letting you become one." Vanessa's voice was flat as she refused. "No thanks." She bypassed Waverly and started walking away, but just as she reached the deck, she was abruptly shoved backward. Instinctively, she spun around and grabbed onto Waverly's hand, one that she hadn't retracted quickly enough. Then, they both tumbled overboard into the sea. Screams echoed across the deck as Harris ran over, threw off his jacket, and plunged into the water after them without a second thought. The icy water rushed into Vanessa's lungs, its sharp sting spreading up her throat. She fought to swim upward, but the relentless waves knocked her dizzy. In the haze of confusion, she saw a familiar figure diving into the water and swimming toward Waverly, pulling her to the lifeboat. As the boat grew distant, Vanessa choked on a mouthful of water, only to be swallowed by another massive wave that knocked her unconscious. At the hospital, Vanessa lay on the bed while staring at the photos on her phone. They were of Harris, taken by Waverly, showing him carefully attending to her. Since Vanessa's awakening, the only visitors she had had were the nurses who changed her bandages. She shut her eyes and turned off her phone, but suddenly, the phone began to vibrate repeatedly. When she turned it on, she saw dozens of messages from Blake. "Vanessa, I'm back in the country." "I heard you fell into the sea. Which hospital are you at? I'll come to see you right away." "I'm so sorry. Forgive me. It's my fault for not protecting you. From now on, I'll always be by your side, and nothing like this will ever happen again."